Yesterday was the last day of this Parliamentary session – and what a bumper session it has been!
It’s been a busy session for me as your voice in Parliament. I’ve voted nearly 400 times to deliver this government’s ambitious legislative programme and have spoken in the chambers over 140 times, raising the things that matter to you with ministers – including through five PMQs.
By any measure, this has been a significant Parliamentary session delivering on this government’s plan for change.
Some highlights from the more than 50 Acts of Parliament that we’ve passed include:
- The Employment Rights Act delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation
- Legislation to establish Great British Rail, a publicly owned body to improve rail services and secure fairer fares.
- Our Renters Rights Act, which comes into force from tomorrow, providing a fairer deal for tenants and landlords. It outlaws no-fault evictions and provides other protections for private renters.
- Ending the arbitrary two-child benefit cap to bring more children out of poverty.
- The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act which secures free school meals for half a million more children, new breakfast clubs, and much-needed safeguarding reforms to protect our kids.
It’s also been a privilege to serve on a number of important All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) including Water Safety, Modern Languages, and – an important personal one for me – Care Experienced Children and Young People. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with colleagues, as well as continuing my work on the Education Select Committee, when Parliament returns.
The above is just a snapshot of what’s been achieved and, of course, it’s only the beginning. Next month’s King’s Speech will set out another ambitious programme to deliver the change you voted for – and I for one can’t wait to get going again.